"Live Players" with Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg The Power Structures of Cities
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Jun 14, 2024 
Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg discuss the enduring influence of cities on human civilization, exploring their role as the longest-lived human institutions and their impact on social and political structures. They also examine the common criticisms of modern cities like San Francisco, political dynamics in urban areas, charter cities and network states, digital and physical interplay of cities, future of urban development, overhaul in government staffing, and refounding on industrial civilization.
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Cities: Enduring Institutions
- Cities are the longest-lasting human institutions, shaped by social geography more than physical geography.
- People cluster in cities to be near others, creating an interface layer between different social institutions.
Misconceptions about Modern Cities
- Modern cities are often critiqued for dysfunction, but this can coexist with positive developments.
- Cities experience both good and bad things simultaneously; it's not a simple rise or decline story.
Political Dynamics in Urban Areas
- The Democratic Party has historically optimized for city politics through patronage and redistribution.
- The Republican Party often lacks a positive program for city dwellers, focusing more on deregulation.